Torkom Saraydarian

Torkom Saraydarian (1917–1997) was an Armenian-American writer, poet, and musician known for his work in the Ageless Wisdom Teachings. Born in Turkey to Armenian parents, he received early spiritual training from his father. His lifelong quest for understanding the mysteries of humanity and the universe led him to explore various spiritual traditions and institutions globally. Saraydarian was also a prolific musician, trained in several instruments, and composed numerous musical pieces.

In 1959, he relocated to the United States, where he established the Aquarian Educational Group (AEG) in Van Nuys, California. Through AEG, he offered teachings based on the Ageless Wisdom principles, aiming to guide individuals toward more productive, healthy, and righteous lives. He taught for decades, initially without salary, supported by student donations. Saraydarian's teachings emphasized universal principles over dogma, seeking to foster cooperation, creativity, and well-being.

His legacy includes extensive writings, lectures, and musical compositions. He authored numerous books, many translated into various languages, and studied major esoteric texts. He also founded the TSG Foundation and The Creative Trust to disseminate his works and established TSG University. Saraydarian's teachings are characterized by seven principles of right living: Beauty, Goodness, Righteousness, Joy, Freedom, Striving, and Sacrificial Service.

Born in Turkey to Armenian parents, Torkom Saraydarian's spiritual journey began at a young age. By the age of nine, he was immersed in the Ageless Wisdom Teachings under his father’s tutelage. This period involved participation in ceremonies and dramatizations held in unconventional settings like caves, designed to explore and reveal the world's mysteries. Saraydarian’s early life was marked by a deep engagement with spiritual inquiry, laying the groundwork for his later extensive work in synthesizing global sacred traditions.

In 1959, Saraydarian and his family emigrated from Jordan to the United States. He soon founded the Aquarian Educational Group (AEG) in Van Nuys, California, driven by a desire to address societal issues he observed. He began hosting gatherings in his home, introducing the principles of the Ageless Wisdom to foster healthier and more productive lives. Initially, he dedicated ten years to teaching and lecturing from a single garage space, foregoing a salary and relying on modest contributions from his students. This initiative marked the beginning of his organized public teaching efforts in the US.

Saraydarian's teachings centered on a universal approach to spirituality, aiming to synthesize sacred cultures worldwide. He articulated seven core principles for right living: Beauty, Goodness, Righteousness, Joy, Freedom, Striving, and Sacrificial Service. He stressed that these principles, rather than specific religions, were the source of life and fostered unity, avoiding the creation of division or animosity. Through the consistent application of these tenets, Saraydarian sought to empower individuals to cultivate success, cooperation, creativity, and harmonious relationships.

Over his lifetime, Torkom Saraydarian taught and counseled thousands internationally, amassing a significant personal library of over 8,000 esoteric books. He delivered thousands of lectures, seminars, and workshops. His prolific output includes 170 books, with many translated into multiple languages, alongside numerous articles. He also produced hundreds of musical compositions. To ensure the continuity and dissemination of his teachings, he co-founded the TSG Foundation and The Creative Trust with his daughter, Gita Saraydarian. Furthermore, TSG University was established to promote his educational curricula and work.

“Now, how we started this group. This group was started in 1961 — unofficially. One day I was coming home from the church. I saw 15 boys sitting and doping themselves. All my neighbors — very beautiful boys and girls. When I saw them doping and smoking, my heart broke. I said, 'Don't they have fathers, don't they have mothers?' Because I was from the old country and could not understand America. (That was not America, but I say 'America'.) I couldn't understand how people could drug themselves and dope themselves. So I went home, I meditated, I thought. I said, "We must form a group to bring all these children in and slowly educate them."”

“We are an international group in which everyone can take part because it is the principles that give life — not religions.”

“We didn't build a religion. We didn't build hatred between people. We emphasized great principles and these great principles worked.”